PetMeds® Treating Feline Diabetes

As cats age they are prone to some of the same degenerative medical conditions as humans are. Two of the more common hormonal diseases seen in cats include diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. The most common form of diabetes seen in the cat is where the ability to produce insulin has been transiently or permanently reduced. One of the biggest and most important factors as to the high incidence of this problem in cats is the exclusive feeding and recommendation of dry food only diets to our feline friends.

Most dry cat foods are full of processed carbohydrates, which allow them to be made into a dry kibble form. Not only are such foods a big risk factor in developing feline urinary tract disorders (known as FUS or feline urologic syndrome), chronic dehydration, kidney failure and obesity, but feeding such diets to a naturally meat eating species like a cat is certainly a recipe for disastrous health. Even domesticated cats are obligate carnivores, whose digestive tracts are designed to eat mostly meat. The consumption of so many carbohydrates puts tremendous strain on the liver and other metabolic pathways, and has been shown to play a direct role in various pancreatic, digestive and liver disorders in cats.

In fact, once a cat is diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first steps a veterinarian will take is to put a cat on a “Catkins” (no carb, high fat, high protein meat-based) diet. Sadly, this should be a preventative recommendation given by most veterinarians BEFORE such a severe pathology develops. If caught early enough, diabetes can even be sometimes reversible by changing over to a non-carbohydrate diet for the cat. And while in humans and to lesser extent dogs, oral prescription drugs such as Glipizide can sometimes be helpful in managing diabetic individuals, these oral drugs are much less successful in cats. Current insulins used by many veterinarians include Humulin N insulin, Lantus/Glargine insulin and ProZinc insulin for cats. While most of these insulins require prescriptions for U-100 insulin syringes, the newer Vetsulin insulin requires special syringes called U-40 syringes.

Amongst the more superior diets include homemade meat-based diet recipes, as described in the book by Anitra Frazier called The Natural Cat, or the more natural commercial canned pet food diets by Wysong or Pet Guard. There are many useful supplements for diabetic cats including Proanthozone, NaturVet Enzymes and Probiotics and Super Pure Omega 3 by 1800PetMeds. These products make up the Endocrine Package Deal. In addition, the supplement DMG liquid or Vetri-DMG is also wonderful in helping balance blood sugar levels.

Comments

I find it amazing that my cat, who is far from overweight (full grown, 11 lbs.), who is lean and fairly active, for a 10 year old indoor animal, has diabetes! I am shocked. He never eats human food, except for 1% milk! How can that be??????

Many times diabetes in cats is due to dietary factors such as too much processed carbs or preservatives low quality ingredients present in dry food which many cats eat. Often feeding a high protein high fat low carb diet i.e meat based preferably home made diet is enough to often manage many diabetic cats. I have also found autoimmune responses to vaccination involved in diabetes in pets, as has been unknowingly to many humans been shown through research to be a factor as well.

Milk is not needed by cats but many do tolorate it as a treat. Diabetes is multifactorial in both people and animals, especially with regard to diet, toxin exposure, genetics, even vaccination reactions etc

Well, I am 14 and I have the same problem. I weight 137lbs and want to loose at least 27 lbs, by the time I start high school, to get to the weight I need to be. What you can do is exercise at least 4-5 times a week, drink water, eat healthy foods, and try to move around a lot. Moving around will help you to lose weight even though you move a little. Keep track of your weight and the goal, which is the amount you want to lose. I hope this info will help you. Good luck =).

Our cat Murray (10 yrs old) recently was diagnosed with diabetes and has been taking Lantus with good results. When I bought the first vial, I was in a hurry to get it and get started. Now I’m looking around for other places to purchase the meds. I was wondering why Lantus isn’t available here and if it will be in the future. With young triplets at home and now a diabetic cat, I’m always looking for ways to streamline things and ordering online would be a great help! Thanks in advance for your reply

I hope I am able to reply to this email from Murray oh wait back in Augst 25, 2011. Well I hope something has developed since then on or about Lantus. You might search deeper with your vet as my vet from a VCA Hospital said Lantus wow extremely costly. So then he stated oh ‘NPH’ Insulin Kat that will be less costly but you need to do your shopping. Home base store is in ARKANSAS got it. Dude was on Pro Zinc @ $134.87 for a little vial bottle about two months worth but on low dosage now Dude is on NPH and 4 units tid. Do your shopping for Murray and check back with your vet. Check on Facebook with CAT PEOPLE.

My 11 yr old male cat was diagnosed with diabetes last year not long after he had a UTI. He was peeing excessively & had even peed laying behind me on the back of the sofa! It seems he now has these symptoms again; peeing outside the litter boxes on the newspaper & just peed on my husband & sofa where he was laying! He had seemed to be regulated on the Prozinc but has become overweight again. If he doesn’t have his food out continuously; he meows nonstop, head butting me & eventually vomiting up bile & then dry heaving & having notably shaky front legs. He won’t eat any other cat food but Purina, (He’s on the “One” indoor) doesn’t eat treats, canned cat food or any people food.

Thank you for your prompt reply. I also have an 8 yr old and 1 yr old cat that eat together. They are more open to “treats” and anything that falls on the floor. Would they be ok with eating the Wysong epigen? Since I have to have food continuous in the food bowls, I’d have to mix with the Purina one to eventually switch over.

Today, our eight year old cat was diagnosed with diabetes. She is spending the night at the vets in order for the vet to determine the correct amount of insulin she will need. I am shocked and saddened by this news, but I have already found some very helpful information on this site. If I am correct, I believe I read that a no dry food diet is recommended for diabetic felines, and I must find out if Maddie has type 1, or type 2 diabetes. I am concerned about her diet because my vet told me she could have either dry or canned food. I also think I read that it is possible that a diabetic cat might not always be diabetic. My vet is totally confusing me on Maddie’s diet and non-diabetic possibilities for the future. I will be grateful for any comments you can provide! !

Most vets are not that knowledgable when it comes to diet in general for patients. As for diabetic cats, they do best on low carb low grain high protein diets. I prefer natural diets like wysong epigen diet or evo diets from 1800petmeds. Most likely your cat will initially need insulin. I would also work with a holistic vet who can help with nutritional and dietary supplements, as well as even possibly homeopathy to help your cat long term. To learn more see http://www.doctordym.com

My cat Taylor is approaching his 20th birthday. He was recently diagnosed with diabetes. All the signs are there. He drinks excessively and will eat little portions as much as six times a day. His treatment is DM diet by purina and insulin twice a day. This is the problem, I don’t feel comfortable giving him an injection twice a day. Is there an alternative to insulin injections. I would easily administer oral medications.

Please inform this person above (Lin) that wrote way back in January 1, 2013 I am there with my cat Dude (Do De) for short. Dude is going on 10 years come Oct, 2013 and it was heartbreaking to find out that on December 11, 2012 he too was diagnose with type 2 Diabetes. On August 8, 2012 Dude had a senior thorough checkup and there was nothing mention then of Diabetes. Dude was on Pro Zinc Insulin tid till the 26th of April and then was switched over to NPH insulin which I purchase at Walmart a whole lot cheaper than any pharmacy ever. But what I am getting at is ‘Dude still takes insulin tid and on 4 units each now.’ Dude’s glucose is HIGH and I mean HIGH. Dude is my kid/cat and I love him. I take it Lin you are more important than Taylor is as that is how you come across here online? Dude is on DM and Fancy Feast Classic and loves food. Lazy as can be and goes through litter as if its out of style. So get a grip and get Taylor on Insulin unless you rather see him die because he will. I been there and thought of letting go as I am not selfish. If my vet says its time than well but we still have good times together. I love him and smitten by him the first day I saw him as a little tyke once Feral. Kat

You could try Protamine Zinc insulin or novolin N or Humulin N as cheaper alternatives. As for diets, I am not fan of these presription diets and prefer low carb, low grain all natural diets like wysong epigen diet from 1800petmeds.

Hi Dr . Dym
I just got back from the vet with my 10 yr old cat Sara . We use to call her fat Sara because she was heavy . ( we have 4 cats so it is hard to see who is eating what ) . Sara had lost a lot of weight and she was making me nervous , so i took her to the vet . She has Diabetes . I am to give her Lantus ( generic Glargine . ) 2 times a day . Took the prescription to my pharmacy and he said it was going to cost $200.00 every 28 days . Wow , i was shocked . So i decided to see if i could find it cheaper on the internet . 1800petmeds does not carry it . Is there a different one that will work just as well ? The vet visit , her medications for a ear infection , drops and antibiotic’s and her special food cost me $350.00 today . Help ! Lol ! Any suggestions ? I love my cat !
Kathleen

Hi Kathleen I am not fan of these prescription commercial diets anyway. I prefer preferably a home made proper meat based, LOW carb diet. To learn more, see book The Natural Cat By Anitra Frazier. Also there is info on line http://www.felineinfo.org OTher options include low carb, low grain diets like eve, or wysong epigen diet from 1800petmeds. As for insulin choices, Lantus is good one for cats but there are MORE economic options including Novolin N which is VERY Cheap at local drug stores, as well as Protamine Zinc, which is a bit more expensive from your vet. Must pick one and a vet who will work with you. Consider consulting with holistic vet who can help make her healthier over long period of time through diet, supplements, etc To learn more go to my website http://www.doctordym.com Many homeopathic vets like myself offer phone consultations.

My cat was lost for four years. He is now 14 and was turned into our humane society a few months ago. We have a chip in up him so we were called and happy to have him back.
He is very thin and diagnosed diabetic, we’ve had him in hospital numerous times. The vet ordered insulin -3units twice a day. I have tried to keep him from the others food ( I rescue kitties and have several) and I feed him the WD hard food.
He is not improving. He is lethargic and at times I force water down him when he won’t drink. I have almost $2000. In vet and insulin bills and am ok with that however I would like to see an improvement. I would like to have just one food for all if possible and I would lie to know if I can feed him meats like chicken or tuna-cooked?
I also noticed he would become more lethargic when given the insulin. Pease advise me on how I can help Johnny Cat.
We love him and do not want to put him down.
Erminia

HI Erminia. I am not a fan of this dry prescription food for diabetics as too high in carbohydrates in my opinion to help with diabetic control. I would look for a low carb, low grain diet. Wysong epigen diet from 1800petmeds is an excellent one. I would also consider home made diet as described in book The Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier. I think cats on proper home made diets do much better with their diabetes. INsulin adjustments need to be made at local vet. He may need more insulin or a different insulin type. A blood fructosamine and/or blood sugar curve at local vet may be helpful here. I would also work with a more holistic veterinarian on improving his health. To learn more about holistic medicine, see my website http://www.doctordym.com Many homeopathic vets offer phone consultations. Merry Christmas and good luck with his care.

My 10yrs old little boy Outboard has recently been diagnosed as diabetic. He has been an inside cat since he was 4 months old and was always feed Authority Sensitive Solutions dry along with wet canned 2-3 times a week. Back in 2010 he got a sever respiratory infection and had to stay in vet hospital for 3 days.(we almost lost him). After that time, he refused to eat anything he used to eat, so I started trying every brand dry/wet and he would only eat Fancy Feast Appetizers (tilapia flavor only). That diet went on for 3yrs but he got sick again and a new vet working at are regular pet clinic gave him a shot of steroids and antihistamines which did clear up the current problem, but then he started to not eat, urinating constantly and lost 2lbs in 1 month. We took him back to the clinic and the vet we saw last time was gone and our regular vet tested him and we got the news he was diabetic. While reviewing his chart the vet told us the drug combo he received last visit was known to cause diabetes in about 30% of cats. Now he get 2 units (U-40) PZI insulin at meal time with his Fancy Feast Appetizer but he looks and acts as if starved and is having problems with his back legs. He no longer can run or walk on the pads of his back paws like a normal cat. He lays back on the back paws and looks like a duck walking. We are terrified we are not doing enough and will loose him before his time. We are at such a loss as to what is causing this new issue with his legs and how we can help him manage his diet. He just flat out refuses to eat other brands except he will some times nibble on Purina One – salmon & tune dry which we found out accidently.

HI Paul Best to get him on preferably a home made meat based raw diet if possible as best food/medicine for this. See book The NAtural Cat by Anitra Frazier for more details. I know Anitra very well, and she works with clients over phone. Feel free to call her at 212-663-0122. Also I would consider working with a homeopathic vet. To learn more about homeopathy go to http://www.beyondflatearth.com as well as my website http://www.doctordym.com Many homeopathic vets do offer phone consultations. Also try wet food pet guard http://www.petguard.com

My cat Boots is 3 yrs old now. He was diagnosed diabetic at about 3 months. His treatment was Lantis then and it was too expensive to keep giving to him. I have given him Evo Chicken and Turkey dry food since then. I know he needs another check-up and has for sometime. I do test his sugar, protein and according to the test strips the sugar levels are slightly high but the other levels are not. I can’t get him to eat wet food (or home made high protein food).
Any other suggestions. I will check the homeopathic suggestions you offer. Since he was diabetic at such a young age, do you think he is a Type 1 diabetic? His weight is about 9 or 10 lbs and looks about right for his size. He still drinks too much and liter box changes are way too frequent. Thank you.

Hard to say if type I diabetic or not. When you get chance best to have vet check and blood fructosamine level to see how sugar control is going with your kitty. Consider book The Natural Cat by anitra Frazier, who is personal friend of mine for dietary tips. Anitra is also available by phone at 212-663-0122. I also think vaccinations play role in diabetes in both children and animals. I would avoid them if possible.

My cat has diabetes and has been prescribed Lantus as his insulin. The problem with Lantus is it is $250 a glass bottle and within the past two months between me and my husband we have dropped 2 bottles. Is there a substitute for Lantus or a generic brand?

No generic brand that I am aware of. You could ask your vet about alternative such as Protamine Zinc insulin, which I have found quite effective in many cats, as well as you could ask about Novolin N or Humulin N, which is the cheapest option, but often not as effective.

Subscribe to the Pet Meds Blog

Sign Up for Pet Owner Tips, Giveaways & More!

About Michael Dym, VMD

As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.